Views

Monday, March 2, 2026

Curious George Monkey Car McDonald’s Japan (2024)




In 2024, McDonald’s Japan released a special Curious George Happy Meal toy series (おさるのジョージ), featuring a collectible set of six toys themed around the curious cartoon monkey, including imaginative play pieces like a mini car and other interactive figures tied to George’s playful adventures, which were available for a limited time from January into February 2024 as part of the restaurant’s ongoing global Happy Meal lineup that often includes exclusive character collections popular with kids and collectors alike .

Red Fire Truck McDonald’s Japan (2023)



In 2023, McDonald’s Japan continued its annual Tomica Happy Meal toy campaign, where miniature die‑cast vehicle toys from the popular Japanese brand Tomica were included with Happy Set (Happy Meal) purchases; among the vehicles released that year was a Sakai City Fire Bureau rescue work vehicle (a red fire/rescue truck), part of the second wave of the promotion that ran from late April to May, giving kids collectible working‑vehicle toys like patrol cars, road service cars, and the distinctive fire truck to play with while also learning about different service vehicles in society.

Doraemon Trombone Whistle McDonald’s Japan (March 2024)



In March 2024, McDonald’s Japan featured a special Happy Set collaboration tied to the animated film “映画ドラえもん のび太の地球交響楽(ちきゅうシンフォニー)” by including a series of musical‑instrument‑themed toys, one of which was the Doraemon Trombone Whistle (トロンボーンホイッスル). This toy was part of the second wave of the Doraemon Happy Set lineup released from March 22 to March 28, 2024, where children could blow into it to produce sound, echoing the musical theme of the movie and encouraging imaginative play through simple instrument‑like feature.

Suka Paw Patrol McDonald’s Japan (2023)




In 2023, McDonald’s Japan partnered with the popular animated series PAW Patrol to feature it for the first time in its Happy Set kids’ menu (the Japanese Happy Meal) starting March 3, 2023, for a limited period across most Japan locations. The promotion included five different reusable bath stickers showcasing iconic rescue pups like Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Skye, Zuma, and “Kento” (the Japanese name for the human leader), each printed with numbers 0–9 so kids could play and learn about counting and logic as they stuck them on their tub walls, while also engaging with themes of teamwork and helping others from the show’s storylines. Alongside the PAW Patrol toys, McDonald’s also offered past Happy Set toys as part of the promotion.

Coca Cola Contoured Glass Japan


The Coca-Cola Contoured Glass in Japan is a collectible drinkware piece that celebrates the brand’s iconic bottle design. Produced by Coca-Cola Japan, these glasses replicate the classic curvy silhouette of the original Coca-Cola bottle, offering both nostalgia and functional elegance. Typically made from clear, durable glass, they are often sold individually or as part of promotional sets in convenience stores, supermarkets, or as special campaign merchandise. Highly popular among collectors, these glasses sometimes feature limited-edition designs, commemorative logos, or seasonal artwork, making them a fusion of practical use and display-worthy memorabilia that reflects Coca-Cola’s long-standing cultural presence in Japan.

Love Panda Marim Japan


It looks like there isn’t a widely recognized “Love Panda glass Marim Japan” product with available information under that exact name, so it’s possible the item might be a niche collectible, a small‑brand souvenir, or a handmade piece not well documented online. There are panda‑themed Japanese glass items that pop up in souvenir and artisan glassware collections — for example, glassware where panda designs appear when cold liquid is poured in (like novelty cold‑sensing animal glasses) — and panda motifs are popular in Japanese crafts because pandas are beloved icons of harmony and cuteness in both culture and design. However, I couldn’t find a specific official description of a Love Panda glass produced by a Japanese brand called Marim or Marimo in the available online catalogs or stores. If you have a photo or more detail about where you saw it (like a website or shop name), I can help describe it more precisely!

Dumbo Disney x Kirin Lemon Japan (1980s)


The Glass Dumbo Disney x Kirin Lemon Japan from the 1980s is a collectible promotional glass featuring the beloved Disney elephant, Dumbo. Produced as part of a marketing collaboration between Disney and Kirin Lemon, a popular Japanese soft drink brand, the glass was designed to appeal to children and Disney fans alike. Its colorful illustration typically depicts Dumbo in playful or iconic poses, often accompanied by circus-themed motifs that reflect the character’s origin story. These glasses were commonly distributed as part of limited-time campaigns, making them sought-after items for collectors of vintage Disney memorabilia and Japanese promotional goods. Their 1980s retro charm, combined with the nostalgic association with both Disney and Kirin Lemon, has made them enduring favorites among enthusiasts of character-themed drinkware.

Cloud 9 Choco Fudge - Jack’n Jill Universal Robina (February 2026)



The Jack 'N Jill Cloud 9 Choco Fudge Chocolate Bar is a popular Filipino chocolate snack from the Jack ’n Jill Cloud 9 lineup by Universal Robina, known for its rich, affordable confectionery offerings in the Philippines. This 28 g bar combines smooth chocolate fudge with a layered texture that often includes nougat and caramel elements wrapped in velvety milk chocolate, giving it a sweet, fudgy taste and satisfying chew in every bite — a favorite quick treat for students and snack lovers alike. It’s widely sold in convenience stores, supermarkets, and small shops across the country and continues to be part of Cloud 9’s diverse range of flavors that cater to different preferences in February 2026 and beyond.

Cloud 9 Classic Chocolate Bar Jack’n Jill Universal Robina (February 2026)



Jack N' Jill Cloud 9 Classic Bars is a popular Filipino chocolate snack produced by Universal Robina under the Jack ’n Jill brand, known for its satisfying combination of soft nougat, chewy caramel and crunchy peanuts enrobed in a smooth milk chocolate coating that appeals to both kids and adults alike. First introduced decades ago and widely available in supermarkets, sari-sari stores, and convenience outlets, the Classic variant remains a nostalgic favorite and everyday sweet treat in the Philippines, often enjoyed as a quick merienda or rewarding snack. Its balanced texture and familiar flavor profile make it a comparable local alternative to other caramel-nut chocolate bars, while its affordability and cultural ubiquity continue to cement its place in Filipino snacking habits as of early 2026.

Pluto My Bone Disney Glass Aderia Adelex (Ishizuka Glass Adelia) Japan



Disney ADERIA ADELEX Vintage Diner Glass Set of 4 280 ml Ishizuka Glass Adelia is a set of collectible Japanese glass tumblers featuring classic Disney character artwork (often including characters like Pluto and other Disney favorites) produced under the Aderia/Adelex brand by Ishizuka Glass in Japan. Aderia (sometimes styled as ADELEX or seen in vintage kitchenware catalogs) is a historic Japanese glass manufacturer known for making retro-style drinkware and dinnerware that blends nostalgic design with everyday usefulness.

These particular Disney glasses were originally made for the Japanese market and are now sometimes sold as collectibles; many listings online suggest the design originates from around the 2010s or earlier as part of ongoing Disney merchandise lines licensed in Japan, though exact original release dates for the specific “Pluto/My Bone” graphics aren’t officially published.

E.T. The Extra Terrestrial - Universal Studios Suntory Ade (1983)



The E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Glass by Universal Studios and Suntory (1983) was a promotional collectible released in Japan to capitalize on the massive global popularity of the 1982 sci-fi film directed by Steven Spielberg. The glass typically featured printed artwork of E.T. and scenes or logos from the film, paired with branding for Suntory Ade, a soft drink line marketed by Suntory during the early 1980s. Produced during the height of E.T. merchandise mania, the glass was often offered as a premium item with beverage purchases, blending Hollywood film marketing with Japanese consumer promotions. Today, the 1983 E.T. Suntory Ade glass is considered a nostalgic pop culture collectible, especially among fans of vintage movie memorabilia and 1980s promotional drinkware.

Butt Wriggling Crayon ShinChan McDonald’s Japan (2023)



In 2023, McDonald’s Japan ran a special limited-time Happy Set (their version of a Happy Meal) collaboration featuring the beloved Japanese anime Crayon Shin-chan, marking one of the first major fast-food tie-ins for the franchise. The promotion, which began on October 20, 2023, offered six different Crayon Shin-chan-themed toys across multiple weeks, including playful figures like butt-waggling Shin-chan, “Shiro and walking Shin-chan and Quantum Robo, designed to entertain children and collectors alike. The campaign was part of McDonald’s broader strategy to engage fans with character-based collectibles tied to their kid-friendly meals, making it a fun seasonal highlight for both Crayon Shin-chan enthusiasts and customers of all ages in Japan.

London Olympics 2012 McDonald’s Coca Cola



At the London Olympics 2012, both McDonald's and The Coca‑Cola Company were official global sponsors, continuing long-standing partnerships with the Olympic Movement (McDonald’s since 1976 and Coca-Cola since 1928). Their role gave them exclusive rights to sell branded food and soft drinks inside the Olympic venues and to promote special products and branded merchandise tied to the Games, such as collectible glasses and memorabilia at McDonald’s restaurants worldwide. However, their involvement drew significant criticism from health campaigners and doctors in the UK, who argued that fast food and sugary drinks were at odds with the Olympic emphasis on elite athleticism and public health, and called for limits on such sponsorships; defenders of the partnerships argued sponsorship revenue was vital to funding the event and that consumers still had choices about what to purchase.

Cheezy-O Leslie Corporation (March 2026)



Cheezy-O is a cheese-flavored corn snack produced and marketed by Leslie Corporation, a long-established Filipino food manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Parañaque City, Metro Manila. The snack, sold under the Leslie’s brand, is known for its light, crunchy, ring-like corn puff shape with a bold cheese seasoning and is registered in the Philippines as a low-risk food product by the FDA (valid through 2027) under the company’s LTO and FDA registrations. Cheezy-O is part of Leslie Corporation’s broader snack portfolio that includes other popular products such as Clover Chips and Cheezy Corn Crunch, and it’s widely available across supermarkets, convenience stores, and retail outlets in the Philippines and in some overseas markets where Filipino snacks are distributed.

Chipsy Caramel Puffs Hard Discount Philippines Inc. DALI (March 2026)




Chipsy Caramel Puffs by Hard Discount Philippines Inc. (DALI) is a budget-friendly snack product sold under the Chipsy private label of Hard Discount Philippines Inc., the local operator of the Swiss-rooted discount grocery chain DALI Everyday Grocery in the Philippines. DALI follows a “hard discount” retail model focused on offering essential food and household items at lower prices by minimizing store frills and advertising costs, which has enabled rapid expansion across Luzon but also brought financial challenges and regulatory scrutiny of some private-label products. The Chipsy brand includes low-risk snack products registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—such as caramel-style popcorn/puffs and flavoured chips—indicating they have met local safety registration requirements to be sold in the market. Online community feedback on specific Chipsy products, including caramel puffs, is mixed, with some consumers noting issues with taste or texture but acknowledging the low price point typical of DALI’s offerings.

Archibald Asparagus aka King Saul VeggieTales Big Idea Pruduction (1998)



Archibald Asparagus portrayed King Saul in the 1998 VeggieTales episode “Dave and the Giant Pickle,” produced by Big Idea Productions. In this Bible-inspired retelling, Archibald’s King Saul is depicted as a tall but timid ruler of Israel who is afraid to face the giant Goliath, allowing the young shepherd boy Dave (a VeggieTales version of David) to step forward in faith. True to Archibald’s personality in the series, his portrayal blends mild-mannered politeness with comedic nervousness, adding humor while still conveying the story’s moral lesson about courage and trusting God. Released during VeggieTales’ early direct-to-video era, the episode became one of the franchise’s most popular installments, helping establish the series’ signature mix of biblical storytelling, catchy songs, and family-friendly comedy.

Choco Rico Milk Chocolate - Columbia (February 2026)



Columbia's Choco Rico Rich Milk Chocolate 30's (also available in other pack sizes like Choco Rico Rich Milk Chocolate 30 pcs and COLUMBIA'S Choco Rico Rich Milk Chocolate) is a milk chocolate treat registered as CHOCO RICO – Rich Milk Chocolate under the brand Columbia’s, imported and distributed in the Philippines, with official product registration valid through 2031. It’s known for its rich, creamy milk chocolate flavor and fun, bite-sized pieces that make it a popular choice for snacking, sharing, and dessert toppings, appealing especially to those who enjoy a classic chocolate taste in an easily shareable format.

Tamarind or Sampalok (March 2026)



Tamarindus indica, commonly known as tamarind or sampalok in the Philippines, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to Africa but widely cultivated across South and Southeast Asia. It produces brown, pod-like fruits containing a sticky, dark pulp that has a distinctive sweet-sour flavor. In Filipino cuisine, sampalok is best known as the souring agent in dishes like sinigang, while its pulp is also used in candies, juices, and sauces. Beyond cooking, tamarind has traditional medicinal uses, as the pulp is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and tartaric acid, which may aid digestion and support immune health. The tree itself can grow quite large and long-lived, providing shade as well as durable hardwood, making it both a culinary and agricultural staple in many tropical communities.

Sunday, March 1, 2026

Party Favors McDonald’s Calumpit Bulacan (February 2026)


 

Shanghai Luncheon Meat - Century Pacific Food Inc. (February 2026)



 

Little Baker’s Hotcake Mix - DALI Hard Discount Philippines Inc. (February 2026)

 




Chipsy Caramel Popcorn Hard Discount Philippines Inc. DALI (February 2026)



Chipsy Caramel Popcorn (Hard Discount Philippines Inc., DALI – Feb 2026) is a caramel popcorn product sold under the Chipsy private label by Hard Discount Philippines Inc., the operator of the Dali Everyday Grocery hard-discount supermarket chain in the Philippines. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product registry, this item is registered as a low-risk food product with a valid approval running through 2029, indicating it’s cleared for retail sale in the country. Hard Discount Philippines (HDPI) is a Carmona, Cavite-based subsidiary of Singapore’s HDPM Sin Pte. Ltd., itself under Switzerland-based Dali Discount AG, and operates DALI stores using a lean, low-price retail model that focuses on essential goods and proprietary brands. The Chipsy Caramel Popcorn reflects this strategy of offering everyday snack items at competitive prices in DALI stores nationwide.

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Cloud 9 Overload Jack ‘n Jill (February 2026)



Jack ’n Jill Cloud 9 Overload is a popular chocolate snack variant offered under the Cloud 9 brand—a line of chocolate bars known for combining nougat, gooey caramel, and crunchy peanuts coated in rich chocolate, often described as sweet, chewy, and satisfying to eat. In the Overload version, this classic combination is “overloaded” with extra peanuts for a more intense texture and flavor experience. The Cloud 9 range, including Overload, is produced by Universal Robina Corporation (URC) under its Jack ’n Jill snack portfolio, a major Filipino food company that’s been innovating chocolate products for decades. By February 2026, Cloud 9 Overload continues to be stocked in Southeast Asian markets as part of Jack ’n Jill’s expanded lineup of Cloud 9 chocolate variants.

K-GO Chicken Luncheon Meat DALI Hard Discount Philippines Inc. (February 2026)



K‑Go Chicken Luncheon Meat 340g is a canned poultry product marketed under the K-GO brand and registered in the Philippines to Hard Discount Philippines Inc. (registration number FR-4000012282810, classified as a high-risk food product with an FDA validity through January 30, 2026). Sold frequently in value-oriented retail outlets like DALI Everyday Grocery and online grocery platforms, this luncheon meat consists mainly of finely ground chicken seasoned with spices, cooked, and packaged in a ready-to-eat can (340 g) suitable for sandwiches, stir-fries, or quick meals. Marketed as a budget-friendly alternative to more established brands, consumer feedback suggests its flavor and texture are generally acceptable for its price, though it may differ from premium luncheon meats in taste and thickness of slices. Discussed by shoppers as a cost-effective protein option, it fits the hard discount retail strategy of offering staple products at competitive prices in the Philippine market.

Frigimon Finger Puppet Digimon Bandai (1999)



The Frigimon Finger Puppet released by Bandai in 1999 was part of the early wave of merchandise supporting the explosive popularity of Digimon Adventure. Frigimon, known in Japan as Yukidarumon, is a Champion-level Digimon resembling a friendly snowman with icy blue fur and small horn-like ears, and the finger puppet version captured this cute yet powerful look in a small, hollow vinyl figure designed to fit over a child’s finger for imaginative play. Distributed in various capsule toy lines and toy assortments during the height of the franchise’s first anime season, the puppet reflected Bandai’s strategy of producing affordable, collectible mini-figures that allowed fans to recreate digital battles and adventures. Today, the 1999 Frigimon finger puppet is considered a nostalgic collectible from the original Digimon era, especially among fans who grew up during the late 1990s anime boom.